Background and History

In early 2020, visionaries Thomas Schindler and Sebastian Fittko ignited an audacious journey to discern how technology and entrepreneurship could grapple with Africa's paramount challenges. Over half a year of intense dialogue and participatory process, they collaborated with more than 50 African entrepreneurs and experts, harnessing a spectrum of perspectives as diverse as the continent.

Amidst this quest, they discovered a dynamic ally, Diana Beata Krüger. Sharing their passion and vision, she soon became an invaluable third co-founder of MOTHERLAND. United, they identified a pivotal leverage point in their mission: the post-harvest value chain, a critical pathway that agricultural products tread from harvest to market, laden with untapped opportunities for African communities.

Fueled by this insight, the trio crafted a robust database of 324 African startups. Each of these companies had one common goal: to unravel and address the intricacies of the post-harvest value chain. Their exploration revealed many issues ranging from inefficient storage to inadequate transport infrastructure and restricted market access.

This extensive database was a compass, directing them toward impactful, scalable solutions. It showcased the spectrum of existing innovations and spotlighted the gaps waiting to be filled by future creative interventions.

The confluence of this journey – the participatory dialogue, insightful research, and the alliance with Diana – marked an influential phase in their mission. The knowledge amassed now shines a guiding light for policymakers, investors, and entrepreneurs committed to nurturing sustainable agricultural development in Africa. These formative steps nurtured the inception of MOTHERLAND, an emblem of hope, resilience, and transformative change for African agriculture.